USPS Rural Carrier Associate Job Description, Key Duties and Responsibilities

Looking for comprehensive information about the USPS rural carrier associate job description? If you are, then you are on the right page.

This post explains what the USPS rural carrier associate do, including specific details about their duties, tasks, and responsibilities.

Please, read on:

What Does the USPS Rural Carrier Associate Do?

The USPS rural carrier associate job description entails delivering mail in rural areas with less than 50 people per square mile or 5,000 people each year (over 5,000 people in population is considered urban).

It also involves processing packages, handling mail, and delivering important documents, bills and other accumulated paperwork to the mailing center.

Rural carrier associates at USPS also deliver letters and packages that are addressed to certain post offices and oversee all drivers, and perform quality control checks on drivers’ work every two weeks.

They process and deliver mail daily at the post office.

A rural carrier associate is required to scan the barcode for each individual piece of mail and package, (bags, boxes and cartons) that are being sent to a specific destination.

They use the computerized sorting machine, targeting the zip code or zip codes that they are responsible for delivering.

USPS rural carrier associates are responsible for following all the regulations and procedures of the USPS.

In addition, they are responsible for maintaining and repairing the parking lot of the post office, ensuring that there are no accidents on the parking lot.

They must stay up to date on mail codes, as well as handle all mail received at the post office.

It is also the duty of the rural carrier associate at USPS to take out all of the trash from work areas and do cleaning or maintenance necessary to keep the work area clean.

USPS rural carrier associates help to sort and distribute the mail in the assigned area, as well as deliver mail to and from the Post Office on a daily basis.

More on USPS Rural Carrier Associate Job Description

They are responsible for sending out or receiving all mail or packages that are being sent out of or into their assigned area(s) so that it gets delivered correctly, completely and correctly.

Furthermore, the rural carrier associate ensures that all mail sent to a specific destination is put into the correct box properly, according to location and zip code.

They must keep the lobby of the post office clean at all times, as well as keeping both their own work area and that of their co-workers clean.

It is also their duty to accurately complete all paperwork, forms, and reports that are requested from them by their supervisors.

USPS rural carrier associates are responsible for maintaining their vehicles and work areas, and making sure that they have functioning brakes, lights and other safety equipment before ever leaving on deliveries/pick-ups.

They are required to deliver packages on time, without damaging the package and making sure that the package arrives at its destination within 2 days (not necessarily the same day).

It is also their responsibility to take all mail that has been put into their assigned postal vehicle so that it can be distributed to their designated zip code or area.

Rural carrier associates take out all mail from their postal vehicle and place them into specific mailboxes in specific zip codes in order to ensure proper delivery.

They are responsible for processing packages, handling mail, and delivering important documents, bills and other accumulated paperwork to the mailing center.

USPS rural carrier associates ensure that all mail going out for delivery has the correct postage put on it and that it has been sorted correctly.

USPS Rural Carrier Associate Job Description Sample/Example/Template

Shown below are major tasks, duties, and responsibilities that commonly make up the USPS rural carrier associate job description:

• Ensure the safe and efficient delivery of mail to customers in your assigned area, including residential and commercial routes
• Deliver mail to customers using a variety of methods (e.g., hand, bicycle, motorcycle) as required by customer needs
• Assist with the processing of incoming mail for delivery to customers
• Make deliveries to customers on time
• Process outgoing mail at the post office or other designated location
• Scan and process mail items using an electronic device such as a scanner, computer, or tablet
• Sort mail into appropriate bins based on type and destination
• Receive and distribute mail from carriers and other postal employees
• Send mail to the correct address using a postage meter machine
• Maintain records of all activities performed during the work shift
• Send reports of activity to supervisors
• Take inventory of supplies and equipment used in the performance of duties
• Check and maintain equipment and vehicles used in the performance of duty
• Report any unsafe conditions encountered while performing duties
• Perform other related duties as requested by supervisor.

USPS Rural Carrier Associate Job Description for Resume

If you have worked before as a rural carrier associate at USPS or are currently working in that role and are making a resume for a new position, you can show that experience in your resume’s Professional Experience section by applying the USPS rural carrier associate job description sample above.

You can highlight the rural carrier associate duties from the sample job description in your resume’s Professional Experience.

This will prove that you have been successful on the rural carrier associate role, which can greatly influence the employer to give you an interview, especially if the new job that you are applying for requires someone with some rural carrier associate work experience.

USPS Rural Carrier Associate Salary

The average US Postal Service rural carrier associate compensation is $21 per hour, according to Glassdoor. The pay for the role ranges from $3 to $38 per hour at the US Postal Service.

Conclusion

A rural carrier associate works in a rural area delivering mail to homes and businesses.

The job duties are similar to those of a letter carrier but involve less physical labor.

A rural carrier associate must be able to deliver mail safely and efficiently.

If you are interested in working as a rural carrier associate at USPS, this post has provided you with detailed information on the duties and responsibilities typically performed by USPS rural carrier associates, to help you make the decision concerning your career.

USPS Mail Carrier Resources

Here are valuable resources you can access to improve your knowledge about the USPS mail carrier industry and develop your career:

Professional Organizations

Useful Blogs

Helpful Books